The Honourable Senator Dr. Thelma J. Chalifoux
(February 8, 1929-September 22, 2017) was appointed to the Canadian Senate by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien on November 26, 1997. She became the first female indigenous person appointed to the Senate of Canada and served until February 8, 2004, when she retired and returned to Alberta. A history maker and trailblazer, prior to her appointment she worked as a teacher and community organizer and was very active in both local and national Métis communities. Upon her retirement from the Senate, she founded the Michif Cultural and Resource Institute (now the Michif Cultural Connections) in St. Albert, Alberta, an organization devoted to preserve, protect and promote the rich Métis culture in northern Alberta. As the Matriarch of a large extended family of more than seventy children–semicolon– grandchildren, great grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren, she was a great example of grace under pressure and courage to keep going no matter what challenges one faced. She uplifted spirits – changed hearts and minds for the better and left this world a far better place than when she found it.
The family would like to acknowledge and offer sincere gratitude to all the caregivers Thelma had over the last few years – the Doctors and Nurses at the Mazankowski Heart Institute always treated her with respect and dignity! The staff and residents of the Boardwalk Retirement Community downtown were always very attentive, kind and watched over her so well. And lastly, the nurses, staff and residents at the Citadel Care Centre in St. Albert where she spent her final days and where they treated her with such tender and professional care! She often said she loved it there, and we couldn’t have had better feedback than that! Thank you so much to each and every one!
A Traditional Metis Wake will be held Wednesday, September 27, 2017 from 6:00 pm to 12:00 am at the Connelly-McKinley, St. Albert Funeral Home in St. Albert.
Eamon and Sarah Logan says
A great mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and woman has passed, our sincerest condolences during this difficult time.
A wise person once told me, as we on this side are shedding a tear and saying “There She Goes”… Those who have passed before or jumping up and down and rejoicing and exclaiming “Here she comes”. We all will meet together again, one day.
You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Cynthia Kenchington says
Aunt Thelma will always be in my heart and always remembered…….my condolences to all of you, her family, on her passing, she was a force to be reckoned with……My Love and thoughts are with you all at this time……..Cynthia Villeneuve (Kenchington) and family
Lucie Roy says
Condolences to the family. She will be greatly missed.
I fondly remember all the times she dedicated to the Legion and honouring our veterans and the many hours of work at the Michif Institute. Thank you to our many conversations and projects.
Bill McMullen says
Dr. Chalifoux was an amazing teacher and her loss is felt at NAIT and in higher education throughout Canada. I had the honour of working with Thelma on the development and delivery of the NAIT online Aboriginal Awareness course which was delivered to polytechnic, college, and university faculty and staff throughout the province. Her hugs will be missed. Her insight and intelligence will live on through the videos she helped create for the course. These videos provide a powerful insight into the Metis culture and history. The course remains popular today and we have made all the videos available as open educational resources through the NAIT library for everyone in the world to freely access. Through these videos Thelma will continue to share her knowledge and wisdom with future generations.
Eva Stang says
My heart goes out to all of you. Losing a parent is difficult but as your mom would say “carry on”. Your mom was a great mentor and a beautiful friend. She never tired of helping others and took pride in her Metis culture. She was so gracious when I asked if I could honor her by creating the “The Thelma Chalifoux Award” for NAIT. The award was named after her to acknowledge her contributions in supporting Metis people. After the initial development of the award, many others have been recognized for their continued support of our community.
God bless and know I am thinking of your mom and of you.
Eva Stang
Patti Shapka says
My sincere condolences for the loss of your Mom and Grandmother. I had the priviledge and honor of meeting Thelma through my former employer at Retired at home. I need to tell you that I truly cares and loved Thelma like she was part of my family. The last time I saw Thelma was a few days before my mother in law passed away. I did my best the morning to hold it together and show little emotion, and failed. Your Mom took my hands into hers as i kneeled at her feet in tears and she asked ‘ What is wrong dear girl? ‘ through tears i told her Mom had a stroke and is dying. I felt guilty for telling her, because i was to be there for your Mom, not the other way around. Thelma looked down at me with a smile and told me not to worry for the Lord will take care of her, she bent down and she embraced me. I also need to tell you of all the laughter we shared and our favorite song ‘ Let the Sunshine In ‘ we sang that every visit. Thelma was always in my thoughts and prayers, she was such a ball of love and light. It was an honor to be in her life for a short while. Blessings and Love xx
Gail Rhodes nee Paquette says
Our condolances to the family at this time. Remember all the times you had with her and may they bring you peace and a smile.
allan and shirley handrahan says
our condolences to all family members.
Patricia Borle says
Prayers and thoughts are with and the family. Thelma was a great lady.
From: Fire, Kathy, Patricia Borle.
Margaret Villeneuve says
To Thelma’s family we send our heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Thelma was truly an amazing woman. I had the pleasure of meeting her when she visited Halifax many years ago. God Bless you Thelma
Della Minogue says
Your dearly loved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother truly was a great example of grace. She definitely has left this world a far better place for the many hearts she leaves behind. Bless you all at this difficult time.
Della